Frequently Asked Questions About Caravan Covers

If you’re looking to protect your caravan from the elements, then you should definitely consider buying a caravan cover in Australia. Premium caravan covers made by reputable manufacturers can save you thousands of dollars’ worth of repairs and help keep your prized possession in great shape. The Australian climate is known for being harsh on caravans and the last thing you want is to leave your vehicle exposed to the sun’s UV rays. High-quality caravan covers use premium materials that provide a snug fit, thus limiting fabric movement and preventing moisture/mildew build up.

If you’re a first-time buyer, chances are you have plenty of questions about caravan covers. This article will go over some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) about caravan covers and hopefully, help you make the right purchase for your caravan.

Q: What size do I need for my caravan?

A: The right sized caravan cover for your vehicle is the one that fits only the caravan’s body. This means that when measuring, you want to leave out the tool boxes, spare wheels, and gas bottles, as stretching the cover too far can cause excess fabric movement and wear out the cover prematurely.

To figure out the appropriate-sized caravan cover, you need to measure the length of your caravan’s body (excluding the A-frame and coupling). Leave a bit of room for items on top of the vehicle like the A/C and the aerials when measuring. We recommend adding an additional 15cm (half a foot) to your overall measurement for this purpose.

You want the caravan cover to fit just right. It shouldn’t be too snug or too loose. A caravan cover that fits overly tight is prone to tearing while a loose caravan cover can flap around and cause damage to your caravan’s windows, paint, and other exterior parts. While you can theoretically cover accessories like the rear bumper, it is generally not recommended to help prolong the lifespan of the caravan cover.

Q: What are the different types of caravan covers?

There are four main types of caravan covers based on the type of vehicle for its intended use. Manufacturers of caravan covers like to keep things simple and categorize them by:

• Covers for caravans

• Covers for pop-tops

• Covers for camper trailers

• Covers for motorhomes

Before you buy a cover, make sure the one you’re purchasing is specific to the type of vehicle you own or otherwise, you’ll run into fitting issues.

Q: Are caravan covers waterproof?

A: No. Most caravan covers aren’t waterproof, but they do have some form of water resistance at the roof panel to protect your caravan’s rooftop accessories. Caravan covers are designed to be breathable and allow air to flow through the fabric. This helps control moisture levels and inhibit the growth of mould, mildew, and bacteria that could otherwise damage your caravan’s exterior.

Q: Are caravan covers necessary?

A: While caravan covers aren’t necessary, they are highly recommended by expert camping connoisseurs for a variety of reasons. Just think of all the dirt, dust, and other tiny particles that can scratch up your caravan’s exterior when you leave it exposed. Not to mention the harmful UV rays that can damage the rubbers and plastics on your vehicle.

Caravan covers are an affordable way of adding extra protection to your caravan. It keeps the vehicle’s aesthetics intact and helps preserve its resale value over the long term. Some people who’ve had negative experiences with caravan covers are usually due to low-quality varieties. But when you invest in a premium caravan cover, the difference is night and day in terms of overall durability and reliability.

Q: Which brands of caravan covers are the most reliable?

A: ADCO and Camco are two of the most prominent names in the caravan cover industry. These cover manufacturers are well-known for creating tough, weather-resistant covers with the kind of quality that exceeds most caravan covers out there on the market. ADCO and Camco have been providing caravanners with premium caravan covers for decades and their industry experience is what separates them from the competition.

While most cover manufacturers only have a 12-month warranty on their caravan covers, ADCO and Camco offer 3-year warranties. It’s basically their way of telling their consumers about how confident they are with their products. Caravan covers with long warranty periods are made to handle Australia’s harsh weather conditions, meaning they won’t disintegrate easily even when exposed constantly to the sun’s UV rays.

Q: What kind of fabric should the caravan cover be made of?

A: In general, you want to avoid tarp-like covers that are thin and flimsy. What you really need to look for is a caravan cover that’s made of high-quality polypropylene. Polypropylene is a thermoplastic polymer that is more durable than polyester, making it the perfect material for premium caravan covers. The cover should also be made of multiple layers for added protection, ideally a 3-ply or even a 4-ply fabric. More layers means more breathability, weather resistance, and UV protection. The interior lining of the cover should be made of a soft, non-abrasive material to avoid scratching once you slide it on and off your caravan.

Most manufacturers like to give fancy names to the types of fabrics they use, thus making it difficult for the average consumer to determine good quality fabrics from the bad ones. Again, we recommend buying from reputable manufacturers like ADCO and Camco  so that you can assure yourself of a premium cover that’s built to last.

Q: What features should I look for when buying a caravan cover?

A: From elasticised hems that improve protection to transparent window sections for clear viewing, different covers have different features to improve their usability. Ideally, you want a caravan cover that has velcros and straps for easy installation. Air vents are also crucial as they allow air to flow through your caravan and prevent mould/mildew growth. If you’re overly protective about your caravan’s exterior, look for covers that have extra reinforcements to protect your caravan against sharp objects and abrasives.

In our opinion, having door access in a caravan cover is one of the most important features to look out for. This saves you time and energy from having to remove and replace the cover every time you want to access your vehicle. We prefer zippered entry panels as these are more robust compared to velcro-fastened ones.

Q: Does a caravan cover scratch windows?

A: The short answer is no. Older-style covers made of cheap materials like tarpaulin can leave blotches and light hazing on windows. But if you use a premium cover with a soft interior lining, then you have nothing to worry about. However, there are instances where caravan covers can scratch windows. Covers that are too large will cause excess fabric movement and rub against the exterior components of your caravan. The key is to find the right sized cover for your caravan that doesn’t flap around when installed.

Ideally, your caravan should be clean prior to installing a caravan cover. This is because dust, dirt, and other tiny particles can act as abrasives and scratch up plastic or acrylic windows. If you’re really concerned about the windows scratching up, you can use cling wrap as a form of protection. Simply cover the windows with cling wrap and you’re good to go.

Q: How long does a caravan cover last?

A: Provided that the cover fits right and you follow the manufacturer’s aftercare instructions, you can expect a caravan cover to exceed its 3-year warranty period. There’s a noticeable difference in durability between a low-end cover and a premium one that’s made of long-lasting materials. While high-quality covers can be a bit expensive, the additional cost is well worth it when you look at it from a longevity perspective. Buy the best caravan cover you can afford and always choose a reputable manufacturer to ensure the cover lasts for a long-time.